Two examples of a Bond villain proudly demonstrating a hazard/weapon that may see some harm come to 007 himself: Teehee feeding the crocs, the reptiles themselves being the threat to Bond once isolated on the island; and Scaramanga demonstrating the power of the focused, reflected heat, by shooting Bond's seaplane, indicating that Bond won't be leaving.

While the scenes aren't strictly parallel, there's a similar structure to both scenes accompanied by a near-identical line.

Personally, I think LALD's scene is better. The threat is more palpable, and is actually used against Bond after the demonstration. Scaramanga's weapon seems superfluous and doesn't exist beyond the momentary explosion. The former gives Julius Harris time to really indulge in his character, and it's usually at this point in the film that I begin to truly appreciate his sense of danger, bizarre and charm. Not to mention it's probably the best scene in the film. And while the latter scene boasts Christopher Lee (which is always a plus), it seems to break up the flow of the final act.

Agreed ... we don't doubt Bond will escape from either situation, but in LALD it looks a good deal less likely.

lachesisChief Executive

Posts : 1588Member Since : 2011-09-20Location : Nottingahm, UK

Subject: Re: Battle of the Bonds! Tue May 16, 2017 9:37 pm

I agree - much as I love Christopher Lee and his swagger here is pitch perfect pretty much all of TMWTGG ends up either underwhelming or ineffectual by contrast that moment when TeeHee retracts the bridge is one of LALD's best.

CJBChief Executive

Posts : 4235Member Since : 2011-03-14Location : 'Straya

Subject: Re: Battle of the Bonds! Tue May 16, 2017 11:09 pm

Tee Hee for me me. That whole solar alligator thing in TMWTGG was nothing more than a McMuffin.